We met at the Palos Park South lot and continued to burn brush piles along the Yellow Trail. Some of it was brush we cut during the morning, but more was downed trees and brush from our last weekend at the site.
We had a very good turnout which again included members of the RM Palos crew. It also was good to see Rebecca and Charlie, past volunteers at Swallow Cliff during garlic mustard season. Much of the wood we burred was wet species like maple or basswood, making the fires slow to start. Eventually, though, you get enough of a hot core to sustain and burn whatever you add to the pile. Patience...
McClaughrey Springs Sunday February 2
We had a smaller group Sunday, which again included two member of the Palos crew (Amanda and Brian). That meant more piles to burn than volunteers, so everybody got their own fire, along with the chance to float to others when their first was going well.
Again, we were dealing with a lot of moist green wood which is slow to ignite. It makes you grateful for the days when your focus is buckthorn and honeysuckle, two woody shrubs that burn with little trouble. Can't say we appreciate those woodies, just their burning properties.